Chapter 4

On the way, my best friend kept glancing sideways at my face.

I held the form and said nothing the whole way.

I took a number, saw the doctor, and sat down for the consultation.

She looked over the information I'd filled in and asked.

"At three months, all we can do is induce. If you're sure, sign at the top."

I signed my name without hesitation.

My phone rang just then.

It was from Duane.

【Cheryl's stomach still hurts, she can't go back alone. I'll come get you after I drop her off.】

I glanced at it and let the screen go dark.

My best friend was even more on edge than I was.

I sat in the chair waiting for my number, and she kept trying to talk me out of it.

"Lucretia, are you really sure? You won't regret it?"

"Once I'm in the operating room, it'll be too late to regret anything."

My hand tightened around the form.

The phone rang again.

【It's raining out. Cheryl's scared of thunder. I'll come as soon as I get her to sleep.】

Two hours had passed since we'd run into each other.

This time, I didn't pretend I hadn't seen it.

I sent him one line back.

【Don't bother coming. I'm almost done here.】

Then a mechanical woman's voice called my number.

I changed into the gown as instructed.

I handed my phone to my best friend, lay down on the table, and was wheeled into the operating room.

On the other end, Duane went rigid when he saw my text.

He scrolled up and realized how pitifully little we'd said to each other this past month.

Two weeks ago, I still used to ask: 【Are you coming home for dinner tonight? The baby and I are waiting for you.】

But this week, not one word of concern.

He'd message me, and my replies came back short, cold.

This wasn't how it was supposed to be.

He'd always thought I was the clingy one.

A crack of thunder, and lightning split the sky.

The weather turned in an instant.

"Duane, I'm scared."

Somehow Cheryl had already tucked herself against his chest.

He sat up sharply. "The rain's getting worse. I need to go pick up Lucretia."

Something uneasy stirred in him, and he couldn't name it.

The next second, Cheryl reached over and laid her hand on his.

"But I'm scared." The moment they touched he shuddered, the illness flaring up again.

He swallowed hard.

"Then... wait for me. I'm going to make a call."

He got up off the bed, went out to the living room, and dialed my number.

He called three times, and it wouldn't connect.

He was starting to panic when it beeped and finally went through.

He let out a breath, about to ask if the checkup was done.

Instead he heard my best friend's voice.

"Doctor, after an induced abortion, how long is the recovery period?"